UNICEF High-Level Delegation Visits Shushilan’s Community-Based SBC intervention in Bhola

A high-level delegation (Deputy Country Representative Ms. Emmanuelle, Field Operation Chief Mr. Anthony and Divisional Chief Field Office Mr. Qausar Hossain) from UNICEF Bangladesh conducted a field visit to an Intergenerational Dialogue (IGD) session in Dhonia Union, Bhola Sadar, on 22 April 2026. The visit aimed to observe the implementation of community-based Social and Behavior Change (SBC) interventions carried out by Shushilan under the UNICEF-supported SBC Programme and to engage directly with community members to understand the project's impact.

The delegation observed an interactive Intergenerational Dialogue session with active participation from mothers, fathers, caregivers, adolescents, community leaders, and other influential community members. Discussions focused on key programme priorities, including maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH), child protection, measles prevention and immunization, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and the adoption of positive health and social behaviors.

Using participatory facilitation techniques, the session encouraged open dialogue, experience sharing, and collective problem-solving. Community members discussed their experiences and demonstrated increased awareness of health, nutrition, immunization, child protection, and the importance of timely healthcare-seeking practices.

During the visit, the delegation also interacted with community participants and frontline project staff to gain insights into the project's community engagement strategies, including household visits, courtyard sessions, and interpersonal communication activities. These interactions highlighted the positive behavioral changes and growing community ownership fostered through regular engagement and community mobilization.

The visit reaffirmed the value of Intergenerational Dialogue as an effective platform for promoting informed decision-making, strengthening community participation, and supporting sustainable behavior change. It also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between UNICEF and Shushilan in advancing community-based approaches that contribute to improve maternal, child, and adolescent well-being.

The field visit further strengthened the partnership between UNICEF and Shushilan while highlighting the role of evidence-based Social and Behavior Change interventions in building healthier, more informed, and resilient communities across Bhola District.